Keeping dogs cool

Question for anyone who travels with their dogs.

I have a 2018 Tacoma and a Leer camper. I got the shell in hopes of transporting all my dogs for hiking/camping/fishing trips since they don’t fit in the backseat. But in 106 degrees I need a way to keep them cool back there.

Any companies, DIY, or ideas anyone has for keeping dogs cool in the back would be appreciated.

 

Crack open the rear window/rear side windows. The breeze should be fine.

 

Crack the slider windows on the camper shell. You can also buy a fan or fans and plug them into the power plug located in the bed. If you don't have one, you can find solar powered fans. Mount the solar panel on the roof of the camper shell and run the wire inside the cab to the fan(s).

 

Maybe something like this.

https://www.endlessbreeze.com/

 

Above ideas are good if you have a slider window in the shell. Also add a seal of some sort between the cab and shell window to increase airflow from the cab - cheapest would be a rectangular frame you make with pipe or pool noodles wedged in there…

Don’t run your A/c on max and don’t use recirculate if you do this without a fan system for the shell- you won’t get positive pressure in the cab forcing cool air into the shell if you do- has to be set to fresh air, not recirculate.

 

Keep them in the cab.

 

Here’s an idea if you need the window secured to keep them from climbing through while it’s open- do use the seal around it I mentioned earlier to increase cool air flow from the cab…
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-product-sliding-rear-glass-vent-security-pet-panel.640391/

 

Yeah it’s the best option and I do it also, but as OP mentioned, some people can’t due to their pet’s size or number… Help with suggestions for what she has.

 

You could put one (or both if they fit) of these attached to a screen in the slider window wired to a long cord with a cigarette lighter plug to maximize cab air flow through the slider window:

MOSTPLUS Black Universal Electric Radiator Slim Fan Push/Pull 12V + Mounting Kit(7 Inch) Set of 2

$31 MOSTPLUS Black Universal Electric Radiator Slim Fan Push/Pull 12V + Mounting Kit(7") Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077XW7CFX

 

Do you have to take all of them?

 

Get one of those remote indoor/outdoor thermometers to monotor what the shell temp is while you are driving too. - just in case.

I use them in my home, camper and portable refrigerator also to be sure they are working correctly:

Limited-time deal: AcuRite Digital Thermometer with Indoor and Outdoor Temperature and Daily High and Lows (00424CA)

$16 AcuRite Digital Thermometer with Indoor and Outdoor Temperature and Daily High and Lows (00424CA)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WXIR94M

 

I assume that she's considered this option.

I also assume she's asking because she would like to.

 

Also- is your shell insulated? I have an RTT
on my truck and it’s like parking in the shade, but a uninsulated shell gets really hot from the sun. And think about insulation on the floor, if the air temp is hot, so will be the floor.

Also get side window pet screens if you don’t have them, they are heavy duty screens and the pups and cargo can’t rip them so you can leave the windows open a bit for extra ventilation.

 

Where do you live? How hot of temps will you be traveling in ? Very dangerous for dogs in back anytime you have to slow down, stop, turn, accident, etc quickly - they just become a pinball at that point . I agree with crispytacolover - cab is best option

 

My shell keeps the bed area cooler than the cab. Of course AC in the cab wins. I keep my dog, 85lb Pyr, in the back seat but in the bed with windows open would be okay while moving but doesn't seem real safe for the dog.

While stopped like running into a store, does anyone know if the engine would keep running if you left it on for the AC? I did it for about 2mins once and seemed like it might but I don't think the door would lock but can't recall exactly. Next time I'm out I can test it.

 

I wish I knew a better solution. DC powered Aircon is crazy expensive, like 2 to 5 grand expensive.

With the summer heat, my dogs ride in the cab. If they couldn't I would postpone their travels for fairer weather.

 

Then google search truck bed air conditioner.

 

Those require a lot of amps, the smaller ones @75 amps, it sounds like a good idea if she has an extra battery setup for it. The alternator will be running a lot as well but it could handle the load. Definitely have a backup second battery for the truck.

 

https://www.icybreeze.com/buy-icybreeze-platinum/

 

Inside a canopy is like a oven when it's that hot outside. Keep the dogs in the air conditioned cab with you... if you have too many leave 1 or 2 at home and take them on your next adventure.